Yes, making videos with Flip camcorders is cheap and easy. Many would argue that they’ve become a key piece of corporate Web sites. So who cares if you create a grainy video if it gets your message across, right?

Guess again. It does matter that Flip videos look professional.

“Someone who is just starting out can definitely get a camera, they can shoot, and they can edit,” says Jeff Meyers, intranet manager at Nationwide Insurance. “There is a style, an art, a sense of how to put the elements together.”

Improving the quality of video extends beyond your camera. Be mindful of the video accessories you use, how often you use video, limitations of the Flip such as zoom and sound, and your staff’s expertise.

Here’s a look at Meyers’ four simple rules for creating professional-looking—not just passable—videos.

1. Get the right equipment

Creating videos doesn’t require spending a lot of money, but investing in the right equipment will make your videos look more professional.